The Pope

Hello! Although this may come as a surprise, I have seen the Pope three times during my semester here. The first time was a brief (maybe 5 second) viewing. I waited about an hour and a half outside a convent where he was seeing some nuns. He drove out and waved to all of us. Short and sweet. 

The second viewing was at the Vatican on a Wednesday. He was giving an early morning mass. Before he gave his speech, he drove around the Vatican square waving to everyone. He was moving pretty quickly and the driver made some quick turns so I hope he didn't get dizzy. 

This is a bit of the crowd outside the convent. Everyone was excited.

I'm sorry for the quality of this picture, but it all happened so quickly. One minute I was waiting and the next I was waving and trying to take a photo. 

This was at the vatican when we were waiting to see the Pope.

Papal policeman. The Swiss police serve as bodyguards to the Pope and must fit many specifications. For example, they must be between 19-30 years old and must be above a certain height. It is said that the bright uniforms were designed by Michelangelo. 

That's the Pope!

Even though it was a cold day, hundreds of people came out to see and hear the Pope. 

Sadly, I have no photos of our third encounter because it all happened very quickly. I was walking in Piazza Venezia and there was some commotion while crossing the street. The motorcycles and cars sped past us, but I spotted the Pope waving. 

I still have about a month in Rome, so I'll be sure to keep my eyes open. 

Luisa